SPRINGFIELD — Miss Fountain City Clarissa Holleman is an enthusiastic proponent of the Miss America Organization. She voiced her support while making a guest appearance at the Aug. 10 grand opening of Brad Cherney’s new State Farm office at 1451 Ga. Hwy 21 North.

“It definitely teaches you so much about sisterhood, empowerment and being around so many young women that are so accomplished,” Holleman said. “They have incredible graduate degrees and accomplishments in their universities, and even in their professional life.”

During her appearance, Holleman, 24, of Hinesville, handed out registration information about the Miss Springfield Scholarship Pageant. The Miss America-affiliated event, originally set Aug. 6 and sponsored by Brad Cherney State Farm, was postponed until Oct. 30 due to a contestant shortage in the top division (18-26). The pageant has an abundance of Miss Teen entries (13-17).

A few potential older entrants balked at the community service requirement through social impact initiatives. 

“The community service aspect is what it’s really all about,” Holleman said. “When you are able to help others, that is empowering for you.”

Social impact initiatives are causes or organizations that contestants are passionate about. Alcohol awareness, breast cancer awareness and Boys & Girls Clubs are examples. 

“As Jesus said, ‘What you do unto others you do unto Me.’ Really, that should be a part of your daily life anyway," Holleman said. “You only build yourself up when you reach out to others.”

Holleman noted that pageant officials will help contestants find the time to work on their social initiative.

“Everybody is in the Miss America Organization is in college, everyone is in school,” she said. “They know what you do in your day-to-day life comes first. They work with you to make sure you have time for everything that is going on.

“That is one of the main benefits — learning about that time management, really.”

The Miss Springfield winner will qualify for the 2023 Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition at the River Center for the Performing Arts in Columbus. 

“It’s a life-changing experience to get to go,” Holleman said.

The current Miss Georgia is Karson Pennington, an Augusta native who advanced to Columbus by winning the Miss University of Georgia Pageant. Her social impact initiative is ROAR: Reach Out and Read. 

For more information, call Edwards at 954-609-3334 or e-mail scholarship01@comcast.net. The event website can be found at www.missspringfieldga.